Eric Pickles branded 'a clown' by Barnsley council boss

Barnsley chief executive Phil Coppard criticised the Communities Secretary for suggesting budget cuts would not have an impact on well-run councils.

Mr Coppard's local authority must trim its budget by £26m this year - and save £45m over the next four years.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said cuts were "tough but fair".

Mr Coppard, who received an OBE in 2009 for services to local government, told BBC Radio Sheffield: "You've got this clown of a secretary of state saying that in well-run councils, the public won't notice any difference, I mean what planet is this guy on?

"Public servants aren't supposed to be angry, but you look at this and it's unfair.

Read the entire story at the BBC website.

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